One of the major challenges for the 2 Seas area is to achieve carbon reductions through introduction of low carbon technologies (incl. renewables and energy efficiency). This project is addressing this challenge; in particular the application of such technologies in maritime operations within small and medium sized (SMS-)ports. These ports face numerous common obstacles (such as limited resources, technical expertise, lack of collaboration, regulations) and as a result little has been done to reduce carbon emissions. Demonstrations of low carbon technologies and solutions in real life and different circumstances are required to raise awareness and to show feasibility. In addition to convince other SMS-ports it is also necessary to develop and showcase practical methods and tools as energy audit, potentials for renewables and the best mix of low carbon options. Finally SMS-ports needs practical models for low carbon investment & business cases and to come to energy cooperation structures.

Objectives

These are the objectives of PECS:

• Demonstrating and raising awareness among SMS-ports (authorities and users) of the possibilities of low-carbon technologies, including technical and economic feasibility• Developing and showcasing practical methods, instruments, concepts and business models (consisting of a mix of applications) to provide SMS-ports with tools to achieve carbon reduction and carbon-neutrality in a period of 10-15 years.• Developing new governance structures as well as low carbon energy management cooperative structures with the goal to jointly deploy and use low carbon applications, energy storage and distribution.• Lobbying and creating support from local/regional authorities to simplify implementation of low-carbon technologies.• Reaching a broad port-related audience in the 2 Seas area and bridging the gap between lack of time and taking time to learn from experiences in this PECS-project.

Role of Ghent University

Ghent University takes part in this project through the Power-Link department. Power-Link UGent is an energy knowledge platform with research infrastructure for energy production and distribution. In the PECS project, Power-Link will contribute to realize the objectives by using its expertise and knowledge with regard to energy efficiency, transition to low carbon economy and technologies, wind turbines, blue energy, energy management systems etc. In the PECS project, Power-Link UGent is responsible for developing a decision making tool which will help the ports (including those outside PECS) to select their best mix of low carbon technologies. The developed tool will help to define the best option based on economical and/or environmental aspects. As a knowledge partner, Power-Link UGent will provide support to the pilot partners in the installation of the monitoring systems and testing equipment, that will be used to monitor the implemented low carbon technologies. Based on the data obtained from conducted pilot partners, the performance of the developed tool will be evaluated and validated.Furthermore, as Work Package leader of the Communication Work Package, Power-link will use its broad quadruple helix network, interlinking the business & research community, policy makers & end users to ensure dissemination, communication and outreach of the project results.